Questions and answers from the Tahoe Mountain News:
Why are you running for South Lake Tahoe City Council? What do you hope to accomplish as a member of the South Lake Tahoe City Council? To continue with the work I began four years ago and to address the many challenges that face us in the coming years. I want to continue to seek sensible land use policies so we can re-establish a vital community. I want to continue with the current direction of the City Council to find a solution to Project 3 (the Hole), maintain balance budgets, the completion of road overlays, renovation of the Recreation Center, promotion of special events, the commercial use of our Airport, and the expansion of our economic base, and other projects that the City is seeking to complete. I still support an elected TRPA Board by the People in the Basin. I believe that land-use, water quality issues, transportation, and other environmental issues should be decided by elected local governments, and not bureaucratic, appointed Boards of special interest groups controlled by staff with no understanding of economics or the needs of our community. Our Community's 1969 stagnate design is a "tribute" to the misdirection of TRPA and other land use agencies in the Basin. We have been locked-in to old infrastructures and obsolescent. Four years ago, many commentators and many citizens questioned whether I could fulfill the promise of trying to establish an elected TRPA board or, for that matter, impact the direction of the TRPA in any manner whatsoever. Look at the situation today....as a direct result of the passage of SB271, where TRPA's very existence has been threatened, TRPA has finally engaged local government, and the proposed regional plan update addresses some of the important concerns of local government. We are even going to have a test case for drive up windows for pharmacies! Look at the situation today, not only was I able to have the City Council (the only California elected body to support SB271), but we are, the City Council, actively engaged in addressing TRPA regulations and addressing other environmental regulation
What are your qualifications for the job? I have been on the Council for four years, and I believe I have a track record of accomplishments during this time and have gained the experience to govern. But my experience does not stop with the last four years. I have been active in public affairs since the 1970s. Consider the following: I have been a practicing attorney in South Lake Tahoe since 1980. In the 70's I was active with groups opposed to TRPA. About 1974 I participated in a committee to support a local initiative to require an elected City Clerk and City Treasurer. In the late 70's I participated in a City of south Lake Tahoe planning committee known as the 20-20 Committee (a citizens' planning committee addressing issues for the next twenty years). For eight years in the 80's I was a member of the City's Planning Commission, was appointed to the City Council in 1989 to complete the term of a vacant position. In 2008 when I was elected to the City Council, I was appointed to a number of governmental bodies, such as the Tahoe Transportation Commission and LAFCO.
How would you go about reaching this accomplishments? In regard to the first question above concerning future goals for our Community, you must recognize that everything in politics is possible, if you have the Will to do it. You must be willing to think "outside the box". Just as I have done in the last four years, you must use initiative and not fear defeat. With these principles in mind, we have seen the City reach out to adjacent local governments, the States of California and Nevada, forced a dialogue with TRPA and State Officials, challenge Lahontan regarding water quality issues, cause greater pension and health care contributions from public employees, and seen the completion of Lakeview Commons and Bonanza Park. In short, goals can be reached if you have the firm desire to do so, and I have demonstrated that I can. What is the biggest issue facing the city that you want address? What is your position on the Loop Road project? Please explain how you would work with both sides. First of all, in responding to these question, I am combining the "biggest issue" and the "Loop Road Question" What is the most fundamental concern that affects these topics, AND THIS ELECTION? It is electing persons to the Council that are independent and whose sole allegiance is to the People of South Lake Tahoe. Why? In the past large developments have occurred at the expense of small business and our community (small business employ many local people). The South Shore Vision Plan and the current Loop Road proposal seeks to remove additional businesses in our community as well as many residential properties, and redirect traffic.
Consider the past:
- a) Randy Lane was able to destroy blocks of small businesses and financially impact the City's tax revenue, based upon a development proposal not adequately funded. Until I was elected in December 2008, no one at the City was aware that Randy Lane had not purchased the properties within the Project 3 (the Hole) free of debt, and acquired said properties with mortgages; this among other things, prevented a consolidation of the properties that was a prerequisite for development;
- b) PADMA, the common interest maintenance entity for Heavenly Village mandates approximately $130,000.00 annual contribution from the City of South Lake Tahoe in perpetuity because the City owns the sidewalks and the restroom and signed an agreement to such effect;
- c) Heavenly Valley has an agreement with the City that their ski tickets sold at Heavenly Village would not be taxed for about 20 years. Why are these sweetheart deals being made? Not because these corporations are bad (there are good people that work for them), but because the persons you have been electing have not been independent and/or have not been able to resist the continued advocacy and lobbying effects by such corporations.
In the Spring of 2009, Randy Lane sought from the Council support to sell public bonds for the purpose of funding Randy Lane's project in the sum of $25 Million Dollars. I opposed this request because it made no financial sense, and it would have impaired the City's future credit standing. Ultimately, the entire Council rejected his proposal for a $25 Million Dollar "loan". I demonstrated the independence required to have a seat on the Council. I have opposed efforts by special interest groups for projects that are not in the interest of our Community. One of the current issues facing our City is the Loop Road. I do not support this proposal for the following reasons: the use of eminent domain/condemnation to achieve the ownership of the loop road corridor, the destruction of small businesses and residence in our Community, and the redirection of traffic away from our City's business centers. I believe we need to revitalize the Stateline area though a vision type plan, but no plan will be approved by me unless the benefits are fairly distributed, and the City's interest are protected. Presently, some of the major investors are seeking to acquire other holdings in Project 3, the Hole at Stateline. The Council has sought to encourage development at the Hole, and has spoken to developers and property owners alike. We have to make sure that any permits issued for the project addresses all concerns, including, and most importantly, that the new developer/owner has sufficient resources to proceed. Independence, reviewing projects on their merits, and looking out for YOU is a summary of my history and voting record on the City Council in the last four years, and will continue to be my objective, if you grant me another term.
What is your position on pot collectives? While I support the use of medicine to aid those who are critically ill, I have never believed that the marijuana dispensaries were truly dedicated to this cause. I have always believed that they would be a front for illegal drug trafficking, and, unfortunately, a recent law enforcement report proves this. I did not support the ordinance permitting the dispensaries.
What is your position on the fire department merger? I oppose the merger for several reasons. First, it appears that an incorporation with Lake Valley will change the status of property owners from being served by a city as opposed to a special district. Why is this important? All property owners not within cities have recently been assessed $150.00 per parcel, and I expect this fire assessment would be extended to City residents, in the event we become a special district. Further, I have not seen any evidence that there would be any cost saving, and I am concerned about losing local control. How would you go about finding parking solutions for the Lakeview Commons area? First, I had advocated that we meet with the residents of the Al Tahoe and receive their input. At the last Council meeting, representative of Al Tahoe expressed concerns about parking , noise, one way streets and accessibility. I do not support one-way streets within the Al Tahoe neighborhood and I made that promise 4 years ago. I do not want to see Al Tahoe becoming a large parking lot for Lakeview Commons. Let's face it, Lakeview Commons is a greater success that the City expected. This first summer, was a test and we need to address the issues, such a parking. The solution is to complete the planned parking lots. Another solution is the management of the events occurring at Lakeview Commons. The Council will be providing direction on these issues this Fall. What is the most undervalued asset in the community? I equate the term "undervalue" with "underutilize". The People of South Lake Tahoe are the most underutilized asset in our community. In the surrounding counties, the percentage of people below the poverty line is 6 to 7 per cent; in South Lake Tahoe, its 17 per cent! Our unemployment rate is double the national average! Reducing unemployment must continue to be a focus of all levels of government. While we are tied to the national economy, the promotion of special events, broadening our economic base, and maintaining City services should continue to be our focus. Also, sensible land use policies can promote the development of new businesses in our community. (A question the Tahoe Mountain News has asked for years) Are you a dog or a cat person? I am definitely a dog person. All my life I have enjoyed the companionship and special relationship that we have with man's best friend. Currently, Madison, a German Shepherd, is part of our family. She loves to play ball, have sleep-overs with the grandchildren, say hello to new friends and go for drives in the car.
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